Rosa Lee Waldrep, 77, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2016, in Mobile. She was born in Red Bay, Alabama, to Floyd Shelton and Nina Smith Waldrep. Rosa dedicated her life to following Jesus and serving others. Rosa graduated from Sheffield High School in 1956, from Florence State Teachers College in 1959 and earned her Masters in history in 1966 from Stetson University. Rosa taught social studies in Largo High School, Largo, Florida, from 1963-1993, earning the “Distinguished Teacher” award from the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars in 1990. Rosa served as a summer counselor at Camp Sumatanga in Gallant, Alabama, as a youth and remained committed to community service throughout her life, serving as a volunteer at Suncoast Hospice for 18 years, as well as working with the “Clothes To Kids” charity. Rosa excelled at her passions, bridge and tennis, and travelled extensively across the U.S., Europe and to the Panama Canal. She was a dedicated member of Skycrest United Methodist Church in Clearwater, Florida. She touched many lives and will be deeply missed.
Rosa was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law-Nathan C. Miller.
She is survived and remembered by her three sisters, Margaret W. Miller of Mobile, Alabama, Christine W.Smith (Bill) of Florence, Alabama, and Frances W. Brenner (Don) of Atlanta, Georgia; her brother, Floyd Shelton Waldrep Jr. (Jane Kuenz) of Cumberland, Maine; eight nieces and nephews, Robert F. Smith (Michael W. Hasty), William Smith (Laura), Franceska Lynne (Warren Gang), Jeremy Miller (Julia), Allen Lee Smith (Heather), Jennifer Miller, Chloe Waldrep and Lily Waldrep; one grand-nephew, Connor Allen Smith; two grand-nieces, Piper Joy Smith and Angel Joy Smith; and her special friend, Jo Ann Ramsey.
Rosa will be buried in Red Bay City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Camp Sumatanga, 3616 Sumatanga Rd. Gallant, AL, 35972, or to www.donate.splcenter.org.
